Alaïa, born in Tunisia in 1940, was best-known for his slinky, tight dresses – a reputation that earned him the nickname "king of the cling".

He originally trained as a sculptor at the École des Beaux-Arts in Tunis, before moving to Paris in the late 1950s to briefly work under Christian Dior and Guy Laroche.

Having become an independent courtier in the 1980s, he produced his first ready-to-wear collection in 1980.

He went on to dress many high-profile clients, such as Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell and Michelle Obama. But he was famously uninterested in adhering to the typical fashion schedules – preferring to show his collections as and when they were ready.

Details regarding the future of Alaïa's fashion house have not yet been revealed.

At present, the designer's company is financially backed by Richemont – the owner of other luxury brands such as Cartier and Chloé. Richemont chairman Johann Rupert provided a statement, describing Alaïa as "not only a colleague but a great friend", but gave no further details.

"The industry has lost an exceptional talent," he said. "He was a man of integrity and kindness who was also a true creative genius."

"With his unique approach to couture, he created a distinctive style that will forever set his creations apart. Azzedine will be missed by all of us who had the good fortune to work with him."

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